UN’s annual World Humanitarian Day inspires us to help others.
In the last year, 100 million people were forcibly displaced due to violence, war, and humanitarian crisis. In 2022, it is estimated that 274 million people need humanitarian assistance and protection. 811 Million people are hungry every day, affecting almost 10% of the global population. These numbers are staggering and even though they may seem to be playing out in a different part of the world, we know that even in Canada, 7.7 Million Canadians reported going hungry in 2022, an increase from 5.7 Million in 2018.
To raise awareness of these crises, The United Nations has created a World Humanitarian Day(WHD) on August 19th, to represent a day where we can all come together to put our best foot forward in creating a better world. WHD was created to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers, according to the UN’s official definition. It is a day of hope and community, where the village comes together to aid people in need.
This year’s theme is the human cost of climate change, so it can draw attention to and pressure world politicians to take measures to fight it on a global front. The campaign revolves around digital art. If you want to join the campaign, share your digital art or any sort of appreciation for WHD use the hashtags: #ItTakesaVillage and #worldhumanitarianday. The UN has brought light upon the East African Food Crisis, where 4 years of failed harvests and natural disasters have led to up to 20 million people in Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia facing extreme hunger every day.
Sai Dham Food Bank has been a pioneer and active leader in the community to help those fighting food insecurity in and around the GTHA area, with a focus on seniors and the disabled. Our Monthly Food Hamper delivers fresh produce and groceries to low-income and disabled seniors at their door at no cost. “Sponsor a meal for $20” is one of our key programs where individuals can provide grocery support to seniors and people with special needs. Our Children’s Healthy Breakfast program delivers nutritional meals across 9 schools to ensure that children are not hungry when they come to school and can focus on learning. Please help us help those fighting hunger in our communities by donating. Let’s all put our best foot forward and make the world a better place.